Humphry Slocombe, a beloved ice cream establishment renowned for its innovative flavors, has announced the impending closure of its flagship store in San Francisco’s Mission District. The original location at 2790 Harrison Street will shut its doors on October 30, as first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
In an emotional Instagram post, the company expressed gratitude to its customers for their unwavering support during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “Throughout COVID, we were able to keep all of our shops open thanks to the loyalty and support of all of you. We were especially proud of keeping our original shop at the Mission open to continue to serve our first neighborhood. However, all things must come to an end.”
Founded in 2008 by Jake Godby and Sean Vahey, Humphry Slocombe quickly gained popularity with its chef-inspired and unconventional flavor offerings, including the bourbon-infused Secret Breakfast and unique seasonal creations like cayenne cantaloupe. Over the past 16 years, the brand has expanded to include nine locations across the Bay Area, including the San Francisco Ferry Building and outlets in Oakland, Emeryville, Concord, San Mateo, Campbell, and Redwood City.
The shop has also made a mark through collaborations with local businesses, creating flavors such as Chocolate Ale & Smoked Almond Brittle in partnership with 21st Amendment Brewery and Vietnamese Coffee in collaboration with Blue Bottle Coffee. Additionally, it has celebrated local theatrical performances with special flavors, including Champagne & Strawberries for “Pretty Woman: The Musical” and Serengeti Sunset, inspired by “The Lion King.”
However, the closure comes amid challenges for the business. In April, a former employee filed a class-action lawsuit alleging unpaid overtime and minimum wage violations, as well as claims of being pressured to skip lunch breaks to ensure timely ice cream deliveries.
In a statement to Eater SF, co-owner Godby described the decision to close the flagship store as “heartbreaking.” He noted, “We’ve been losing money there since COVID and haven’t had the resources to put into maintaining the store the way we would have liked. I guess sometimes you have to make hard choices.”
As of now, Humphry Slocombe has not provided any additional comments on the closure.
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